Blog Archives
Immortal Treasures
Immortal Treasures, by SJ. Turner is the story of a girl who has experienced tragedy. She was born with magic, and after everything she has experienced, she fears it more than anything. Olivia is the key to revealing secrets of the past and bringing back a sovereign vampire.
Olivia just wants to be a normal girl and live a life without magic. However, her grandma and aunt know she has great power if she’d just unlock it. While going through antiques, they find a book belonging to a legendary vampire clan. Olivia’s grandmother believes the book was created by the Goddess and will only be read by the one with the blood of the interpreter. She believes this book is what will finally get Olivia to accept the power she holds. When opening the book, Olivia can read the script when all others have only seen blank pages.
Olivia meets Cassian Laurent, Cash, while using her power to fight off a vampire. He gains her trust and asks for her help reading what is in the journal so they can resurrect his father, Julien. Through her readings, Olivia is transported in time and shown memories of Julien Laurent, the leader of the vampire clan. Together Cash and Olivia, along with help from both sides, discover the secrets of the timekeeper’s journal and bring Julien back to life.
The writing style in this book is strong throughout. The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged. The relationships between the characters were interesting to read, especially the love developing between Olivia and Cash. The layering of stories and differing timelines added depth to the book, making me want to keep reading.
I am giving Immortal Treasures by SJ. Turner, 5 out of 5 stars. This book has a great storyline with intricate characters. However, the ending left me wanting the sequel immediately. I would highly recommend this book if you love mysteries, romance, magic, and strong characters.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0BBLY1N73
Vandella
Vandella by M. Ch. Landa is an interesting book about a girl facing certain death after a cancer diagnosis. When she’s presented with an opportunity to trade her cancer-ridden life for her grandmother’s soul, she embarks on a supernatural journey through the world of the undead. However, once she begins this new path, many obstacles lie ahead, and unexpected encounters with famous personalities and people from her life have passed onto the afterlife.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and landscapes created by the author, which are expansive and innovative. While the concept of this tale is common, the author explores it with new twists and intriguing characters. While I found the theme a bit simplistic at times, it’s a refreshing, gentle read that explores human connection and the will to survive. When Maia discovers her cancer, previously in remission, returns, she must decide whether to face her illness or take another journey that will plunge her into a world of mystery and the unknown.
As the reader delves into this new world, Maia discovers there are many obstacles to explore, from a train that takes passengers into the sky to a vibrant ballroom and an abandoned, haunted country residence. It’s a tale that ignites a sense of survival and a quest for another chance. As Maia is faced with saving a close relative, only to risk her own life in the process.
The author creates great character development who must face difficult situations while questioning the value of their existence. For example, Maia must decide if Sidney is in love with her or whether there is hope for them. I enjoyed the overall story and Landa’s take on a unique romance story while tackling themes of uncertainties in life and mortality.
Vandella by M. Ch. Landa is a teen and young adult magical realism novel. There are themes of dark fantasy and some romance throughout the original writing style and enjoyable storyline.
Pages: 303 | ASIN: B09GK557PF
Delilah Recovered
Delilah Recovered by Amelia Estelle Dellos tells the story of Delilah Smith, who lives a dull and uninteresting life as an accountant. Her world turns upside down when she meets the handsome Samuel Solomon, who introduces her to the exciting realm of fairies, witches, angels, and witch hunters. Delilah quickly learns that everything she thinks she knows about her ordinary reality is wrong. Her authentic memories reveal that she will play a pivotal role in this world. Delilah discovers that many of her memories have been sealed from her. She begins to learn about her prophesied destiny and that many aspects of life have been hidden from her. The world she uncovers is dark, extraordinary and ominous.
The world that is constructed by Amelia Estelle Dellos in this enthralling fantasy novel is imaginative and enchanting. I enjoyed how the author articulated the contrast between Delilah’s mundane existence as an accountant in an office and being thrown into a chaotic dark fantasy realm with danger and excitement. The book has a compelling story line and a fascinating protagonist. The story delves into the colorful and dynamic lives of the characters and I really enjoyed watching how their actions impacted one another; sort of like a paranormal melodrama on television. There is no shortage of action and intrigue to lure readers into this richly imagined world.
The author brilliantly integrates elements of the Samson and Delilah story into the book and shows how the past can have a profound effect on the present. Romance, mythology, magic, and an intriguing mystery all coalesce into an exciting journey. I was enthralled with the surreal theme of this book and reveled in the unique supernatural and time travel elements. I recommend Delilah Recovered to readers who are looking for an imaginative urban fantasy novel with a protagonist that goes through a massive evolution.
Pages: 276 | ISBN: 1639885145
Darkness Is Her Greatest Fear
Annihilation is a gripping paranormal fantasy novel that explores good vs. evil and shows that things are not always split down the middle. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
There are grey areas when it comes to good verses bad and not everything is clear-cut or simple when it comes to making educated choices. Black and white lines are so much easier. Right or wrong, good or bad. Righteous verses evil. When you try to find a compromise between godliness and sin, it only results in waffling, vacillating, wishy-wash gray areas that cause a host of problems. This is the dilemma of many of my characters.
Your characters are very compelling. What were some driving ideals behind your main character’s development?
Samara is a Nephalem being and is struggling to find herself in Middle Earth and also in Hell. She is a strong, independent female who is slowly discovering her strengths and capabilities. As the story progresses, she grows as well in more ways than one. Although darkness is her greatest fear, her endurance, determination, and developing powers become her greatest strengths.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As with every book I write, I like to express the importance of family and friends, loyalty and devotion, and the true meaning of unselfish love. I believe it’s also important to point out that people who just go with the flow – lacking feelings or any kind of commitment – often end up on a wide road that leads to disappointment, heartache, and sometimes destruction.
What can readers expect in book three in your Gehenna series?
Samara learns how to stand up for herself when pitted against Lucifer in the cruelest way possible and also finds herself betrayed by the love of her life.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Meanwhile, the Black Crows meet with the Knights of Darkness in their hidden headquarters, plotting against Lucinda in their efforts to maintain peace and the balance of power. Consumed by hatred over Crighton Daemonium’s unrequited love, Lucinda is unaware of the secret conspiracy brewing, or that Lucifer’s spirit has returned to Hell inside the body of a soul–trapped demon.
Reclaiming his throne, Lucifer punishes his daughter for her act of treason. However, his obsession with Samara, Crighton’s beautiful daughter, leaves him incapable of controlling his stolen body. After forcing her into submission, he names Samara the new Queen of Hell yet continues his authoritarian rule. When an insurgency breaks out on Earth, he becomes distracted long enough for her to be kidnapped by Nexus rebel forces, believing her to be the prophesied savior of their planet.
Is Samara the Phoenix, destined to destroy Lucifer? Or is she his soulmate and the true Queen of Hell?
Awards: 2021-2022 Reader View bronze medal winner in Erotica and Horror categories; 2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the category of Horror; 2021 Incipere Awards silver medal winner in Romance category; 2021-2022 Global Library Award
ANNIHILATION
Annihilation by Kaylin McFarren is a story that explores the age-old issues surrounding light and dark or good versus evil, the balance between the two, and the blurred edges between distinguishing them. Following the central family of Ariel, once an angel now trapped in a demon’s body, her husband Crighton, a half-angel half-demon, and their children living between Heaven and Hell. As both realms are on the brink of the ‘Red War,’ it becomes clear that their family, especially their children, are going to be vital in the outcome, and Lucinda, the Queen of Hell, is not going to take any chances.
This novel is scattered with references to well-known myths, legends, and fables such as the ‘eternal fire from hell,’ angels, demons, and werewolves. These are all prominent symbols of the battle between good and evil, and they assist the reader in understanding some of the stories. However, throughout the story, things are not always so clear, which enables people to think more about their perception of where the line between the two would be.
McFarren has done an excellent job of telling the story from various perspectives through short chapters dedicated to specific characters’ points of view. It is easy to follow, ad each storyline overlaps. Imagery is another element that has been successfully used, for example, ‘belied by the unshed tears glistening in her eyes or ‘sheets of bubbling flesh.’ These are powerful images that allow you to see the story as you are reading it.
McFarren is imaginative and explores themes such as the power of women and how everyone is constantly battling internally with good versus evil. From the wonderful use of dialect to the flow of the story itself, this was an excellent read, one I would read again and recommend to others.
Annihilation is a gripping paranormal fantasy novel that explores good vs. evil and shows that things are not always split down the middle. Readers of occult horror will find this book thrilling and different from your usual dark fantasy novels.
Pages: 428 | ASIN : B09KMNBNQG
It’s Not So Easy to Escape Adventure
Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight continues the saga of two friends who have grown up together and now, as adults, wind up investigating a murder together. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I wanted to create a new adventure that would add tension between families in a way that doesn’t lean heavily on magical realism. Have the magical realism only appear once the damage has been done. As in the magical realism is not what caused the chaos and questions the characters had about themselves.
The murder case was meant to be something that tugged at Jacque’s heart strings while feeding his need to solve a mystery. In addition, corner Boone and Shammy into participating but with their own reasons. Being to protect and keep their family together. They said they were done with adventures, but it’s not so easy to escape adventure.
As for what exactly was the inspiration, I wanted something a little more neutral. Something that would give me room to explore the psychological side of Boone, Jacque and Shammy. Though I did focus more on Boone, I will balance that out in the final book.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters life?
The biggest one I will share, which was incorporated in certain scenes and lessons about love, is the memory of me being involved in a romance scam. Last year, a so called woman Sonia Daniels, manipulated me into believing she was a real person. Even though I never met her, heard her voice, or seen her on video chat. There was something spellbinding about her personality and how she talked to me that kept me in her control. In fact, I was so in love with her, that I was completely distracted at my day job. So much so, that when this person gave me guilt trips, I genuinely felt guilty for hurting her. I can’t believe I was head over heels for someone I don’t know. Let alone feel bad when I hurt their feelings.
When I came to from the spell, I “broke up” with her then blocked her from all forms of communication. Even then, this person was able to make several fake profiles on social media, phone numbers and emails. Reaching out to me, pleading for my attention and love. It’s as if all the work they did being undone drove them mad. Being in this so called relationship drove me mad as well yet I ended up valuing true love and trust even more.
Because in order for love to be true, you need trust, time face to face, common interest, share everything, hide nothing, embrace each other, care and support one another, be there through the good and the bad, and lastly, understand that love is complicated.
I guess, through the process of writing this book, the fear of not having true love was a strong inspiration. I’ve never felt that before. Or at least I thought did at one time. But she didn’t feel the same way. That’s ok though. Because true love is mutual.
The other emotion was one that I used to have. One that came from a time where I was a sheltered kid who didn’t know if he’d ever have a purpose. Or if he had one, could he do something great with it. But through writing this series, I realized telling stories is my purpose. It’s the only thing that made sense to me. Whatever day job I have, is simply something to keep me fed. Not happy. Telling stories makes me happy.
What was one of the hardest parts in Boone and Jacque: Cytrus Moonlight for you to write?
One of the hardest parts for me to right was what happened to Gene towards the middle of the book. Which I won’t spoil for those reading this. All I can say is that I never experienced this myself, but I do know about trauma and that some suppress those memories.
Another part that was hard to write was the fight Boone and Shammy had. I never wrote that type of scene before because I hadn’t really thought about any fights I’ve had with a life partner. But when I thought about my first relationship, the times where I got mad, frustrated, scared by my partners actions or words, the scene just came to me. It even came into play for the little spats Jacque and Xantia had.
There is one more thing that was hard to write. More so at the beginning. When I was first writing this book, it was slow going. I felt disconnected from my characters. Probably because I was lost in my own life. Plus, I had just ended my so called relationship with Sonia Daniels. I just couldn’t figure out why the town, Cytrus, and the characters weren’t connecting. But once I started talking about my life with friends and family, asking for help with research on certain elements of the story, it all came together and I fell back in love with the characters.
What is the next book in the Boone and Jacque series that you are working on? Can you give readers an idea of what to expect?
I am working on the last book of the series. In which the subtitle is: Sahon. I was going to write a sixth book, but I know their arc will conclude in this storyline. Meaning they still have room to grow after this series, but more as secondary characters or passersby in other books.
As for what to expect, it will be more philosophical and psychological. Boone and Jacque will be somewhere terrifying yet mesmerizing. As for what will happen to them, or what will become of them, you’ll just have to wait and see. I will also have interlude chapters to wrap up loose ends in Cytrus and show what is happening with the other characters. This will be the hardest book I’ve written, yet the most rewarding.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
are at the core of a murder. Tension rises in both families.
Jacque and Xantia want to solve the case because they believe it
is the key to restoring harmony in town. However, Boone and
Shammy simply want to keep their family safe. But those in
power want answers and regain control so fiercely, that peace
without a price is not possible. No matter who or what makes
them pay.
All The Demons Of The Past
The Curse tells the story of a boy who is invaded by a mysterious demonic spirit that manipulates his mind and lures him toward something dark and sinister. How did you come up with the idea for the setup to this novel?
Honestly, Joseph’s backstory comes from my own, minus the evil entity possession. Witnessing his mother’s years of abuse at the hands of his own father is similar to my own childhood. Writing his story in a way was like my own private therapy, releasing all the demons of the past. As I brought the Shadow, a.k.a demonic spirit, into the story, his character represents all the trauma I carried throughout my life. So, my fictional characters, Joseph and the Shadow, represents the battle between good vs evil. Adding my Breedline characters to the story just gave me a channel to express my imagination and love for the supernatural world.
What were some ideas you wanted to explore with the relationship between Joseph and Carrie?
I’m a sucker for a fairytale love story, so I wanted to create two characters who were somehow brought together by fate. And no matter what crosses their paths, nothing will break the chains that binds their love.
How do you balance story telling for long time fans with making your book accessible to new readers?
This is a tough strategy, especially for an indie author. For me, although I’m excited to introduce a new book to my series, it’s important to showcase each one. Advertisement and continuous promotion are key components.
What excited you about writing this book?
Although the story is based on Joseph and Carrie, I was excited to reintroduce a character from my fifth book, The Immortal. Without mentioning the character’s name, I believe bringing “him” back into story at the end will give the readers closure to “his” character.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Twenty-one years later, this mysterious demonic spirit continues to inhabit Joseph’s body and manipulates his mind, luring him toward something dark and sinister, something that is beyond his control.
Carrie Randall, a substance abuse counselor who is unsuccessful at dating, comes face-to-face with death when two men approach her in a dark alley. Amid her assault, something resembling a werewolf, comes to her rescue in the nick of time. As she tries to process everything, unsure if what she witnessed was real or fantasy, her world suddenly collides with a handsome stranger as though they were somehow brought together by fate.
Despite her past relationships, Carrie finds herself spellbound, falling for Joseph Parker, a handsome, yet mysterious, journalist who works for an esteemed newspaper in Berkeley, California. But when Carrie discovers his terrifying secrets, she begins to fear for her life.
Now, Carrie is forced to make the hardest decision of her life. She can turn her back on Joseph, or stay and help him fight the demon who desires her soul.
Ghost Mark
Jane Walker is a tough yet gentle woman trying to live an everyday life despite her paranormal ability. Ethan Bryce is a bartender with a chip on his shoulder that loves his girlfriend, Jane Walker, and is coming to terms with Jane’s ability. Sadie Prescott is Jane Walker’s best friend and might or might not be missing her former hooker life. Jane runs into an old friend, Dylan O’Brien, but he claims to not know her. Jane is surprised by the brush-off but lets it go. However, it’s not long before Dylan becomes an integral part of Riptide, a club Ethan works at, but Dylan is not the sweet and bright friend Jane remembers.
Ghost Mark by JP McLean is a gripping story many urban fantasy lovers will enjoy. The lead character Jane is tenacious and kind, and her dilemma is fascinating and never boring. Ethan, Jane’s boyfriend, is tough, too, but his kindness and compassion are apparent throughout the story. Sadie, Jane’s friend, has a narrative that is interesting and compelling to read about. The character’s development throughout the story is beautifully crafted and well thought out. The way the characters interact with one another is realistic, allowing readers to be drawn into the world created by JP McLean. This makes for excellent reading.
Ghost Mark by JP McLean is a thrilling occult horror story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The crime constructed throughout the novel is fundamental to the plot and is setup in such a manner that you feel compelled to see where things end up. The action is set at a pace that never lets up. The world-building is expertly done and is commendable. Many moments in the story have you wondering what could possibly happen next, and it delivers at a satisfying pace. The author has provided an intense, riveting, and fast-paced novel.
ASIN : B0B5LK8GZL
LITERARY TITAN 